At the direction of Gov. Jay Inslee, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is issuing guidance prohibiting apprenticeship programs, technical schools, and all in-person classroom instruction and training.

This prohibition is in effect from March 17-April 24, 2020.

Laboratory activities may take place if strict social distancing measures are in place. These measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of staff, instructors, and apprentices. More information on recommended protocols and procedures for higher education institutions are available on the Washington State Department of Health Higher Education website.

L&I Apprenticeship Consultation Continues.

My staff and I will continue to provide consultation to all apprenticeship programs. I am working with our state and federal partners to identify support services for registered apprentices who cannot work due to the epidemic. L&I’s website has a page that has the latest information available on the agency’s coronavirus response.

Registered Apprenticeship programs have administrative authority to adjust operations in order to protect the health, safety, and education of the apprentice during this epidemic. This includes:

Suspending application and selection processes.

Using distance-learning options if available to all apprentices.

Providing alternative supervision that maintains the apprentices’ health, safety, and education, and keeps them working.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures and we simply ask that you apply them fairly and equitably.Should you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to your assigned L&I Apprenticeship Consultant. I will keep staff updated on any changes. ====================================================================

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. We will add to this list as more resources become available.